Panda-monium or public relations?

Letter writers are split over Ottawa's deal with China to bring two giant pandas to Canada for 10 years. (HANDOUT / Reuters)

Pandas get police escort to Toronto Zoo, March 25

The Star writes: “Given the cost of hosting these animals, including a $1-million annual fee paid to China, the creatures may not generate much profit. On the other hand, if they are successfully bred and deliver a healthy baby panda, there could be extra visitor interest.”

In other words, we have put a colossal sum of taxpayers’ money into a venture whose success depends on the amatory prowess of two Chinese bears, both members of a species that is famously standoffish.

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Needless to say, as a public investment, this represents no departure from the present government’s long, hideous track record. Still, one wonders what guarantees have been obtained.

Have the pandas received the necessary technical training? Have they been given reading material (Fifty Shades of Black-and-White) that might inspire them to get on with the thing? Do we have evidence adorable Kung Pao and identically adorable Lo Mein actually like one another? Any coy glances, furtive paw-holding, anxious exchanging of telephone numbers?

Fellow citizens, merely to ask these questions is to sense the awful truth. We have been had.

One could even say — bamboozled.

Orlando Manti, Ottawa

Journalists have been hoodwinked by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s panda ploy. By failing to inform Canadians of the full significance of the Sino-Canadian deal underlying the panda distraction, journalists have demonstrated how easily Harper outmanoeuvres them.

Canada secured the pandas’ visit only after agreeing in February 2012 to reduce our controls on uranium exports to China. China insisted on this, as it did in a similar agreement with Australia in 2008 — an agreement that attracted criticism from Harper’s government then, but won Australia its own panda visits.

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Harper amended Canada’s nuclear co-operation agreement in 2012 to allow the export of uranium concentrate to China. This means that our country may now be supplying China’s military nuclear programs, not subject to accounting or inspection. This is hardly a matter for celebration.

Journalists should elaborate the full impact of Harper’s agreement with the Chinese, instead of getting so excited about a new zoo display.

Penny Gill, Dundas

Harper’s attentiveness to the newly arrived Chinese pandas on our shores is cute. I would be the first one to laud the child-like innocence he had displayed in receiving them personally at the airport, if I didn’t feel overwhelmed by all the neglect shown at the same time to things that are begging for urgent and more mature attention by our government and, of course, by our Prime Minister.

The shrinking stature of our great nation on the world stage is alarming. Our lackadaisical role with respect to the UN, climate change, immigration and refugee policies, health care, the Israeli-Palestine crisis etc. point to the need for Harper and company to devote the same enthusiasm to the nation’s crying needs, as the ever-cute pandas seem to have earned.

I am not enamoured by our government’s increasing tendency to behave like a frog in the proverbial well, and its abandonment of the leadership role we had envisaged for ourselves domestically and on world stage for this century.

Dr. Birinder S. Ahluwalia, Toronto

The recent addition of two giant pandas to the Toronto Zoo has taken Toronto by storm. But one must wonder, is it worth it? Over the next five years, Toronto will be spending millions of dollars on these pandas.

Yes, this will bring attention to their conservation efforts, but what about local species? We are putting our money into the conservation of a foreign poster species, but there are numerous species in southern Ontario that would greatly benefit from this money and attention.

As a fourth-year biology student I have learned of many local species, such as the eastern mole and Henslow’s sparrow that are relatively unknown to the public. Instead of focusing on species that are already well-supported, we should try and conserve the habitats and populations of our local species so future generations can see them not just in zoos, but also in the wild.

Prasha Balakumaran, Mississauga

I was so gratified to see on TV our prime minister at the airport greeting the panda shipment from China. It did my heart good to see him cuddling the animals (always good PR) especially as I understand this will bring better relations between Canada and China, no doubt so that the PM arrange either for another Chinese takeover or for other Canadian enterprises to move their businesses to that country.

As much as I am happy to see the pandas coming to our zoo and the undoubted pleasure they will give to all that see them, I feel the reception was a bit overboard with all the dignitaries in attendance.

It seems that our government can always spend money on fripperies but none on keeping essential services such the lab they are closing down so that (in this case) $2 million can be saved, which is a pittance compared with the amount of money they spend elsewhere or are giving out to their other favourite but less deserving causes.

David Donald, Toronto

Journey of the people, March 26

How sad that you gave a drunken mayor and pandas more attention than the efforts of these brave young people. I expected more support from the Star.

Roberta Luciani, Thorold

What is the only thing cuter and cuddlier then Justin Trudeau? Why a giant panda of course. This giant panda will defeat Justin for the Liberal leadership race and then become the next Prime Minister of “Pan-ada.” His next step will be to eat Stephen Harper.

Terry Toll, Campbell’s Bay

As a conservation enthusiast and an animal lover, I understand the appeal associated with pandas. They are cute, cuddly and relatively odd creatures that people can easily connect to. But since their stay in Canada will cost us dearly, they are better off remaining in China.

I appreciate your reference to the cost of living of these animals. As if it wasn’t expansive enough to ship two pandas, create new artificial habitats and pay for 10-years worth of bamboo, $10 million is going to Chinese conservation efforts.

When there are so many native species and habitats that need our help here, this money could be used in a much more effective manner. Local conservation groups across Canada are in a continuous battle over their budget, and would greatly appreciate even a piece of what these pandas are receiving.

Nadine Asmis, Toronto

The furry black and white creature, which has recently become the worldwide symbol of wildlife preservation, has finally arrived. They eat, they sleep, and they eat some more. Only one word could properly describe these furry creatures — useless.

These two Chinese bears do nothing but eat bamboo and apples. They perform no viable service and contribute absolutely nothing to the environment around them. They have lost their ability to breed, they cannot fend for themselves but yet for some reason we find ourselves falling head over heels for them.

The amount of money spent to care and deal with these utterly useless creatures could better find its way to preserving oceanic reefs and fish population off of Canada’s coast, which not only provide and create jobs but also actually provide nourishment.

In addition to the utter uselessness of these creatures they are a Trojan horse sent by an oppressive and manipulating government. These furry creatures are a ruse, and as we watch them eat on our dime, the powers that be in Ottawa are selling our country right from under us.

I for one will not be taking part in the hype and will not spend one red cent or one silver nickel on this cheap stunt.

Michael D’Amico, Woodbridge

If this is a step to protect endangered animals and raise awareness then this may be a step in the right direction.

If Toronto Zoo can spend $3 million in annual expenses to look after the panda bears and give out $1 million a year to China for research and conservation, then how about we also give SOS Elephants in Chad a mere $30,000 to build a shelter for the ivory orphans, victims of the poaching frenzy that has spiraled out of control in Africa. Most of the ivory ends up in China.

Or donate to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, which is desperately trying to counter the ivory trade. Or how about we continue funding global warming research in Canada, so we can save polar bears in our own backyard from falling into a similar state as the panda bears?

Sajidha Bagha, Sudbury

Your headline should have read, “Jeers for giant pandas at the Toronto Zoo.” You said this is rare chance for zoo visitors to see pandas up close and that the Toronto zoo’s reputation could be enhanced from their visit. Is that the same damaged reputation that surrounds the moving of elephants to a California sanctuary?

Heaven forbid.

Yes, the pandas are described as cute and cuddly. Capturing them, taking them away from their natural environment and displaying them for thousands of visitors to prop up sagging zoo coffers is just not right.

Animals, no matter how cute and cuddly, are better off in the wild. Of course the panda visit is being sold to us as a good example of improved diplomatic relations between the Harper government and China.

And who would stand in the way of that? Pandas are facing extinction. Their natural habitat is being destroyed. How can we help solve the panda extinction problem?

Provide money and the necessary science to help preserve the panda’s natural environment, rather than having them shipped by FedEx so Canadians can ogle over them for five years, then ship them off by FedEx to the Calgary Zoo. For shame.

Pandas deserve to live out their days in the wild. I will not be going to see them at the Toronto Zoo.

Sue Nielsen, Cobalt

Please do not take from my comments that I am any less fascinated by the pandas than anyone else. What troubles me, as our PM photo-ops at Pearson, is that this same government has reduced the quality of lives of many immigrants and refugees to less than that of the esteemed pandas. We are now witnessing preventable illness and death amongst their ranks.

I recently returned from a delegation with RightsAction to Honduras, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and the murder capital of the world. During our stay, we witnessed the struggle of the campesinos, women and the Gurufina against multinational giants, who are displacing them from their lands, in order to to bleed the land for foreign big business. Dissidents are being kidnapped, threatened and murdered.

We observed the lives of indigenous Hondurans living in the polluted shadow of the Goldcorp mine. By being a signatory to NAFTA, we have exponentially increased the misery in the developing world.

And this Canadian government will extend its grimy grasp in the hands of the Harper government. Mr. Harper, if you can sleep at nights, then you are less of a person than I have given you credit.

Jim Sugiyama, MD, Toronto

Where is the cheering section for Canada’s own endangered species?

China is entrusting Canada with the care of two pandas, the poster species for at-risk wildlife. Toronto and Calgary zoos will share their accommodation costs for the next 10 years at approximately $1 million per year.

Canada is ready to care for China’s endangered pandas who like to eat and sleep most of the day while confined, unlike Canada’s migrating herds of caribou, or bird flocks, or fish that swim in the Athabasca River.

In return, China’s focus on oilsands’ expansion plans will ensure continuing destruction of the boreal forest and associated vulnerable species. Clear-cutting has removed more than 60 per cent of the habitat of the woodland caribou herd. Migrating whooping cranes are threatened.

Ottawa and Alberta have prepared a joint monitoring plan for species at risk. Monitoring does not prevent habitat destruction. Yet, Canada will indulge willingly in the public relations ploy of protecting two pandas. What we need is the last two surviving members of the Red Earth caribou herd for them to be politically sexy?

Fish in the Athabasca River are already affected by run-off and leakage from tailings ponds built beside the river. The indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan, downstream of oilsands activities, are also suffering health effects.

Is there any government outside of Canada that would like to provide accommodation to them, while underwriting their feeding costs?

Vicki Hotte, Kettleby

Five reasons to skip the panda display:

1. Pandas are sensitive and shy animals who shun contact with humans.

2. Their soulful eyes and endearing appearance disguise the very real suffering they endure when showcased as living “treasures.”

4. The original objective of the program — habitat preservation in China — is rarely even mentioned anymore.

5. Parents teach children that using animals as props is ok as long as the kids can be distracted for a couple hours.

People who genuinely care about pandas and other animals will never support their suffering by buying a ticket to the zoo.

Jennifer O’Connor, Fort Erie

It will be nice when all the panda fawning is over: the Panda Express, Mr. and Mrs Harper, the special Toronto zoo enclosure, the $1 million a year in maintenance costs.

The pandas are no doubt bewildered and one suspects that they would prefer a peaceful foraging life in China. On top of everything else, they are expected to become pregnant. If they can’t manage this on their own, the female will be inseminated artificially. Now that’s pandering with a vengeance.

Geoff Rytell, Toronto

Clearly the politicians and corporate directors of the zoo are totally out of touch with most people in Toronto as they contemplate raising prices for us to see a couple of cute panda bears.

At current admissions, it costs a family of four $72 to drive to the zoo for a visit without adding on the inevitable high-priced snack foods. Now they want to add another $12 to prices that are out of reach for half the families in the GTA.

It will cost $8 million for the panda exhibit and $3 million a year to care for them. This in a city that can’t afford to provide sufficient housing for the homeless and a zoo that has given away its elephants and has rapidly deteriorating pavilions.

The impact on environmental awareness will be minimal as most people will only see the cute animals and fail to make the connection.

Denis McKee, Toronto

It was only this January that we bid goodbye to Hudson, Toronto zoo’s resident polar bear and shipped him off to Manitoba. Now in March, panda bears from China are arriving to fill the ursine void. Homegrown Ontario products continue to be replaced by those manufactured in China at an alarming pace. But bears, really? And they tell me there’s no conspiracy.

Y. Amatnieks, Mississauga

Stephen Harper showed both his priorities and leadership qualities when he welcomed two Chinese panda bears in Toronto while ignoring the arrival in Ottawa of six young aboriginal youth who trekked from James Bay.

Shame on him.

Barry W. Parsons, Peterborough

All the time in the world to meet with pandas, but little, if any for our aboriginal people. That’s just sad.

Rod MacDonald, Burlington

In the interests of bolstering bilateral trade relations, I firmly believe that we should reciprocate China’s Panda Loan Program. Might I suggest we begin a Prime Minister Loan Program? I’m sure the “shut up and do as I say” political climate in China would be a natural fit for Stephen Harper.

But why stop there? The Hon. Vic Toews, of Public Safety Canada, is a real fan of prisons — perhaps a 10-year cage tour of China would be a terrific opportunity to study incarceration techniques.